Chat with any Christchurch local and they’ll tell you for certain—our city has just about everything. A vibrant CBD, quirky historic suburbs, seaside towns and hidden villages over its hills. From the mountains to the sea, as they say, the Garden City is the ideal destination for a 48-hour go at it.
I mean, c’mon. What don’t we have?
Beaches? Yes. Arts and culture? Absolutely. Outdoor excursions? You bet. A bunch more fun stuff? By the bucket load.
So pack your dancing shoes, your hiking boots, pack your jandals, your trainers and your slippers—here’s a quickfire guide to 48 hours well spent in arguably Aotearoa New Zealand’s most underrated city.
Friday
6PM
Touch down in Christchurch and inhale the fresh southern air. After enjoying one of the most relaxed arrivals to any decent-sized city in the world, you can then enjoy one of the most beautiful tree-lined drives from an airport to a city centre anywhere in the world. But maybe I’m just biased.
You will be heading to the city centre, though, that’s for sure. Because in a brisk 20 minutes, you’ll be kicking off your weekend with a good old-fashioned bar hop. Where to start? If the sun’s still setting, head to Pink Lady Rooftop. Once you’ve enjoyed one of their signature cocktails in gorgeous fading light, you might want to make your way to Vesuvio for tapas and jazz, or Paddy McNaughton’s, for free bacon butties, live Irish music, a crisp Guinness and a game of Chase the Ace.
8PM
Ever got drunk in a church? Connected to Paddy’s by a couple of doors and a hallway is this world-famous-in-Christchurch venue. Here on a Friday night, and you’re bound for a boogie between its reverent walls and stained-glass windows.
11PM
Still have energy? You can kick on to wherever else tickles your fancy among the best bars in Christchurch, but might I recommend Austin Club—a chic converted substation speakeasy with a live DJ every Friday from 11pm to 3am. And if you manage to get yourself to the Chur a day earlier, you can check out their NYC comedy-cellar-styled hour of stand-up on Thursday nights.
Saturday
10AM
Okay, with last night's antics, you’re going to need a sleep-in. Well deserved, of course. And why not? You’re on holiday. So let’s get the itinerary underway at a very favourable 10am, but only after a couple of Neurofens. Your head will thank me.
What the doctor also orders is a decadent brunch from one of the many tasty spots across the city. Hello Sunday is known for serving up what they describe as the closest thing to fine dining that brunch gets. And seeing as that cafe is on the south side of the city in Sydenham, you could then make your way onto Brougham Street and head up toward the Port Hills.
12PM
See if you can hold your breath through the tunnel to Lyttelton (or don’t, it’s pretty long), and you’ll be greeted on the other side by the wonderfully eclectic Lyttelton Farmers Market that runs from 10am to 1pm.
Although stretching down but a single street, the market has much to peruse. If you’re still a touch dusty, then some live music and freshly brewed coffee will get you right. If you’re still a bit hungover-hungry, then smash a Hope River Bolognaise Mince Pie, closely followed by a Mauriora Kombucha to settle your tummy.
Love a wee market wander? Here are the very best markets to hit while you’re down in the 03.
1PM
Now you're all sorted. Stomach full, feeling happy.
Don't go back through the tunnel, drive southeast, almost toward the port, and take the windy road to Sumner instead. On the way, there are a couple of choice viewing perches where you can gaze back across the bay toward Diamond Harbour.
Before you get all the way over the hill and down to the city’s most charming hidden beach town, I want you to first take the gravelled portion of Summit Road, due east, to Godley Head.
Be careful driving along the precipice. If you’re not a confident driver or heights aren’t your thing, then this may not be the excursion for you. However, fortune favours the brave, and what you will be rewarded with are sweeping vistas back across all of Christchurch, Pegasus Bay, and beyond that, the snowcapped Southern Alps and Kaikōura Ranges.
A friendly alternative is taking Summit Road the other direction, then dropping down Bridle Path, you’ll find the gondola. Here you can take in the city from a different perspective. Carry on down Summit Road to eventually reach Victoria Park, perched above the Cashmere Hills, as well as several viewpoints looking out toward the Alps. This is a good spot to bookmark for sunset later that evening.
1.30PM
But if, in fact, you were feeling brave and took my first piece of advice, at the end of the road, you'll stumble upon history: Godley Head Gun Battery—remnants of the Second World War. Take some time to explore here, there are walking and bike tracks around, sheep and in spring, cute wee lambs. Be sure to take a windbreaker, particularly if it's a bit crisp.
Love a good stroll? Here are the best walks in Christchurch.
2.30PM
After you’ve taken in all the views and history you can handle, you should make your way down to Sumner for the arvo. If it’s warm enough and the waves are curling, then you might as well hire a board and get out there. I mean, who needs Hawaii when you can learn to surf at Sumner’s Scarborough Beach?
Alternatively, and perhaps the more relaxing option, you can park up for some fish and chips—for me, Burger Stop is the best—and handmade gelato—I rate this parlour—sit back, feed the gulls and watch the sea.
Still keen on seeing more? Head up the windiest and steepest road in Christchurch to have a look at the quaint beach known charmingly as Taylor’s Mistake. Pro Tip: The Godley Head loop can also be done on foot from here. Kick off your walk at Taylor’s Mistake and take on the Godley Head/Awaroa loop walkway.
Wet Weather Alternative
If it's cats and dogs out there, then check out The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora and its stunning collection of Gothic Revival buildings—the University of Canterbury’s former town site. In addition to a Saturday market, gorgeous wine bar, cute wee cafe x niche homeware store, amongst other offerings, the centre is also home to the very luxe Lumière Cinemas.
5.30PM
But say it's nice and sunny—like it usually is down here—and those chips and ice cream have tided you until the early evening. Now you’re ready to move on and see more of what this fabulous city has to offer. After heading back to your accommodation for a shower and change, you’re feeling refreshed, recharged and relaxed. So how about dinner and a show?
The opulent Isaac Theatre Royal is your place. Whether you’re into ballet, comedy shows, plays, or classics like the upcoming Dracula, the Isaac is where it’s at.
But of course, beforehand, something that’s not one taste bud shy of droolworthy. I’m thinking Restaurant O.G.B for its sophisticated palate, iconic heritage setting, and two minutes' walking distance to the theatre.
If you feel like something entirely different to what they offer, then take your pick from 50 of the best restaurants in Christchurch.
If you're feeling thirsty after the show, then the charming heritage of New Regent Street is just around the corner. Here you'll find funky spots like garden oasis, Gin Gin, and art deco-inspired The Last Word, along with some live street jazz if you're lucky.
Sunday
6AM
But I would recommend you keep it pretty lowkey Saturday evening, because Sunday is an early start.
Of course, you've been very prudent and have read this article well before departing for the 03. As such, you would have already secured a couple of sought-after sunrise soak spots at the He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools in New Brighton. Here you can indulge in ultimate pleasure, watching the early dawn waves roll under the mammoth pier as the sun begins to colour the eastern sky. Don’t forget to try the cold plunge, sauna and steamroom too. Absolute bliss.
9 AM
It’s now breakfast time again, and what better place to enjoy that delicious time of day than at the Riverside Markets. One of Christchurch's crown jewels of the rebuild and a symbol of the city’s flourishing post-quakes—here's our ultimate guide to get the most out of one of the country's best eating precincts, sitting pretty on the banks of the Avon River.
10AM
Once you’ve demolished your body weight in delicious eats, have someone roll you down the adjacent Riverside Lanes for a bit of retail therapy. Perhaps a few gifts to take home to loved ones? Or maybe just treat yourself out. Who’s watching?
11AM
A novel way to get around the city at this point is to take a tour on the iconic Christchurch Tram. See the sights and 17 stops as you learn a little something about the rebuild as you go. You can also check out Christchurch’s vibrant street art scene curated by local artists in all kinds of nooks and crannies, scoping out where to go with this handy map.
12PM
Once you’d had a chance to dip back to your digs and drop the many bags of therapy back on your bed, it’s probably worth heading to Hagley Park for a stroll.
Both the north and south sides of the park are simply gorgeous, but if you want a bit more entertainment, you could whip through 12 holes in the heart of the city at Hagley Golf Club.
Alternatively, Ōtautahi hasn’t been coined the Garden City for nothing—and the best place to see why is the Botanic Gardens. Just FYI, Cuningham House, the tropical conservatory, is closed for heritage restoration for the next the next wee while, so during this time, Townend House will pick up the slack instead of showing its usual flowering display.
3PM
By now, you’ve had a pretty big weekend. Your feet are probably starting to ache, and you reckon you’ve seen all the sights you can take. That’s why this next suggestion, as well as being a certified Christchurch classic, is also an activity of absolute leisure.
Idle down the iconic Avon River—snaking throughout the inner city to the estuary in New Brighton—without moving a muscle. Leave all the hard work to the punter.
But if you’re keen to see a different area of the city, rather than head back east, I’m particularly fond of this viewing spot near Alyesbury, just southeast of Kirwee. It’s about twenty minutes from the outskirts of Christchurch along the Great Alpine Highway on West Coast Road. You’ll come up toward a set of train tracks at the Hororata turnoff, carry on down the highway to find the viewing platform on the left with a diagram of the view. On a good day, you'll witness an entire panorama of the Alps. I've heard it's also a good spot at night for stargazing.
If the weather isn’t playing ball, it’s still a nice drive out there and a chance to experience the famous Canterbury plains in all their glory.
6PM
It’s time to head back to the airport, and what a 48 hours it has been.
If you’ve got a bit more time up your sleeve, or don’t plan on having much of Sunday booked out, then there’s always the International Antarctic Centre out by the airport, where you can experience a minus-8-degree Antarctic storm in the Storm Dome, take a spin in an all-terrain amphibious Hägglund vehicle and get friendly with the ever-so-cute Little Blue Penguins.
Otherwise, just enjoy your last few gulps of pure southern air. You’ve managed to fit in a lot over the last few days, and I’m sure you’re already thinking of when it will be best to get down here. Just don’t tell too many people how great it is, alright?
Cantabrians are notorious gatekeepers. And for good reason.